88 KEYS PIANO is excited to announce their BRAND NEW location for Kindermusik classes beginning this May: the NEW Rody’s Music at 7700 Abercorn, just north of Mall Blvd. A beautiful and bright dedicated NEW Kindermusik space with state of the art sound provided by Audio-Video Warehouse. Come join Kindermusik for some summer musical fun!

Kindermusik will be offering three different summer sessions, including two short one-week summer classes starting on May 29, and June 4. Also, another 6-week long summer session beginning on June 25. Classes will be offered for ages newborn through 7 years old, so please click here for more info.

All class sizes are limited so enroll today!

Details on classes offered:

Newborns to 2 years old:
“Peek A Boo, I love you!” and “Busy Days”

2-4 year olds:
“Marvelous Me” , Outside my window” and “Zoo Train!”

4-6 year olds:
“Jazz Kitchen”, “Feel the Music” and “On the Road!”

5-7 year olds:
“Tell Me A Tale”

Family Time (0-7 year old siblings combined):
“Our Kind of Day”

All class costs include classes, home materials, instrument and CD for the class. All enrollments also include unlimited make-ups, to meet your busy summer plans!

Enroll today at www.88keysga.com! (click on the Kindermusik link on the 88 Keys Piano home page).

New program: Kindermusik playdates

88 KEYS PIANO  also will be offering one-time Kindermusik playdates on Wednesday, June 6th.

10-11am newborns to 20 month olds
11:10-12:10 – toddlers 18 months to 3.5 years old.

Kindermusik playdates are one-time classes for parents and children together. Playdates last one full hour and consist of 15 minutes of an instrument “petting zoo”, plus home materials of a download card from play.kindermusik.com and an age-appropriate instrument. Pre registering is required – classes are only $12 which include home materials.

Join 88 KEYS PIANO on June 6 for our brand new kindermusik playdates!!

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Jumpbunch is an International Sports and Fitness program serving children & families throughout the US and India. JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori & many more locations.

JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is has new sessions starting soon in Berwick & Richmond Hill.

Berwick
JumpBunch is offering a 8 week session beginning on April 10- May 29. The class offered will be Tuesday morning at 9:30 am at Coastal Cathedral, 275 Berwick Blvd. in Berwick. Cost for the 8 weeks: $70

Richmond Hill

JumpBunch is offering a 8 week session beginning on April 16- June 4th. The class offered will be Monday morning at 9:30 am at New Life Worship, 16252 Hwy 144 E in Richmond Hill, GA.  Cost for the 8 weeks: $70

JumpBunch Details

Each week, JumpBunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. At this stage, the goal is to build confidence and coordination.

Some of the fun sports JumpBunch offers are: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games and best of all equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!!

JumpBunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

Enroll online now here or call 912-445-0312.
Check out  Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah on Facebook here

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312.

JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

With a three-day holiday weekend approaching, we are sharing some of our favorite roadtrips to kid-friendly places that don’t require trekking all the way to Atlanta. Here are our 8 favorite picks for nearby spots outside of Savannah that are well worth the trip:

1. Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Is., Ga (closed Mondays including Jan. 16). Hours, admission rates, directions and more details here.

2. South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Harbor , S.C. Open on MLK Jr. Day. Hours, daily events, admission rates & specials here.  Pair your visit to the aquarium with a visit to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Charleston, S.C. See No. 3 below.

3. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Charleston, S.C. Open on MLK Jr. Day. Hours, exhibits, admission rates & more details here.  Pair your visit to the museum with a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium, in Charleston. See No. 2 above.

4. Museum of Science & History (MOSH) & The Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Jacksonville, Fla. Open on MLK Jr. Day. Hours, daily Planetarium shows, upcoming special events, admission specials & more details here.  Pair your visit to MOSH with a visit to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. See No. 5 below.

5. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville, Fla. Open on MLK Jr. Day. Hours, January discounts, admission rates & more details here. Pair your visit to the zoo with a visit to the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) & The Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. See No. 4 above.

6. The Center for Wildlife Education & the Lamar Q. Ball Raptor Center at Georgia Southern University Campus, Statesboro, GA. A reptile program is held on each Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Lecture Hall & a flighted raptor program is held at 3 p.m. in the Amphitheater. Admission rates, show details, directions here. NOT OPEN ON MLK JR. DAY. JAN 16.

7. The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is., S.C. Open MLK Jr. Day.  Hours, admission rates & more details here. Pair your trip to the museum with a stop at Lawton Stables in Sea Pines Resort on HHI. See No. 8 below. Or try the ‘I Spy A Critter’ Safari Bike Ride around Sea Pines. Details here.

8. Lawton Stables, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head. Is. S.C. OPEN MLK Jr. Day (open everyday except Christmas) Lawton’s free animal farm includes goats, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, ponies, rabbits, a deer named Callie and a Clydesdale named Harley (who loves visitors bearing carrots and apples). Pony rides and horseback riding available for a fee. Details here. Pair your visit to Lawton with a visit to The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum. See No. 7 above. Or try the ‘I Spy A Critter’ Safari Bike Ride around Sea Pines. Details here.

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah offers children art classes. New Winter schedule includes Pre-K art and Portfolio prep (great for those trying for the Savannah Arts Academy). 10 percent discount for siblings. Scribble also offers girls’ night out adult workshops where you can turn your favorite photograph into a work of art. For more information about Winter 2012 sessions, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com. Click here for more info. Scribble is also a great, creative spot for children’s art birthday parties. Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St. Savannah, 31401. Scribble Art Studio a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah has 3 new juvenile bobcats on exhibit. Come check out these active, playful youngsters. Oatland Island is open 362 days a year including MLK Jr. Day Mon. Jan. 16.

Oatland’s popular weekly Toddler Tuesdays programs Jan. 10 returns after holiday break. Details below.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Wildlife and education programs
711 Sandtown Rd.
Savannah, GA, 31410
(912) 395-1212

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays return Jan. 10 2012 at Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
Programs at 10 AM & 11 AM Tuesdays. Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees for 2011-2012:
General: $5 per child $5 per adult
Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

Toddler Tuesday Topics January 2012

January 10, 2012: Happy “Mew” Year! – Join Oatland as they welcome a new year by learning about Oatland’s feline friends the Bobcats. They may be short on tails but not on personality! During this program, the group will take a walk so be sure to bring your stroller or wagon.

January 17, 2012: Our Bushy-tailed Friends: Squirrels! – Scurry to Oatland Island to learn about those frisky, furry tailed rodents, squirrels, as we celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day. We will sing songs, read a book, and do a squirrel painting craft. Be sure to bring your strollers as we will be taking a walk to look for squirrels along the trails.

January 24, 2012: Dragon Lizard – Welcome the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar by meeting Oatland’s resident “dragon” Dyno the broad head skink and making your own lizard dragon to take home.

January 31, 2012: A Different type of Hog – Trot on in to Oatland as we celebrate Ground Hog day learning about another kind of hog, our resident pig, Streaker. We will take her a treat and learn about our porcine friend.

Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts at 207 W.York Street in Historic Savannah is a great place to visit when you’re looking for creative indoor kids’ activities. Check these out:

What Can We Make? Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10-2pm

wcwm? focuses on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills through imagination. Explore your creative side with inspiring activities utilizing up-cycled materials, found objects, and traditional art supplies. In addition to the wcwm? project kits, the studios provide water color and collage opportunities.

New to the program is monthly thematic Family Make: participants are assigned a theme and encouraged to make art from the most unexpected materials. January’s Make: Camera Obscura In conjunction with “Fresh Focus: Contemporary Photography from the Permanent Collection”

Camera obscura, a camera without film, a precursor to the invention of photography, in use since the Victorian era. Easy to build and fun to personalize, it can function in most any form. The camera obscura will demystify the functions of a camera, while providing a fun artistic investigation of composition and light in the world around us.

Always free to members and to visitors with paid admission. Open to adults and children accompanied by an adult caregiver

Winter 2012 Toddler Thursday

Designed especially for pre-schoolers and their adult companions, Toddler 3rd Thursday allows toddlers to explore artwork from Telfair exhibits and complete a tour-related art project.

▪ 10—11:30am
▪ Ages 3-5 & parent or guardian
▪ $5 per child /
Adults free with child admission

2012 Themes for Toddler Thursday
January 19 Take’n Pictures
February 16 Moving Dots Flip Book
March 15 Painting Savannah
April 19 Paper Dolls

FOR CHILDREN & ADULT ART CLASSES OFFERED AT TELFAIR MUSEUMS, CLICK HERE.

Help your children excel in a sport, in a social environment, that is suitable for both boys and girls! A new swimming program designed just for homeschoolers will be at Savannah Aquatic Center, 7240 Sallie Mood Drive Savannah, 31406. Participants receive PE credit in a small group environment.

• Learn and improve swim techniques
• Make new friends
• Gain strength in the water
• Build self confidence
• Learn life-long water safety skills
• Set and achieve goals
• Benefit from small group learning environment
• Benefit from exposure to Savannah Swim Team Coaches

ENROLL BEFORE 11/1/2011 and RECEIVE ½ OFF THE FIRST MONTH’S DUES. Half-Off offer expires 10/31/11.

The program’s coaches are good at teaching students how to improve and most importantly, they enjoy it!

Group Programs. Both groups have a one-time registration fee of $79 which covers program administration and registration of child as a member of USA Swimming.
Red Group: Program is designed for swimmers with medium to high comfort level in the water.Must be able to swim across the pool unassisted. Focus is on stroke mechanics and technique. 1-1:45 PM Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays. Monthly dues: $60 per child.

Blue Group: Program is designed for swimmers who have experience swimming all four strokes, and are ready to learn advanced skills and conditioning. 1:45-3 PM Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays. Monthly dues: $79 per child.

To enroll, email savannahswimlessons@gmail.com  or call Coach Greg Schmid at 912.596.2427. Swimming for Homeschoolers is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Are you looking for ways to teach your toddler? Not quite ready for preschool but still want your child to learn at home? Frustrated with trying to find at the best ways to teach your child? If you answered yes, then give ABC’s for Everyone a try.

ABC’s for Everyone offers tips, techniques, and resources to making teaching easier for you and learning fun for your child!

Call (912) 388-1368 for a FREE phone consultation and to schedule your first session.

ABC’s for Everyone is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

A new indoor play spot on Hilton Head Is. that encourages students to build unique creations, play games, and have loads of fun using LEGO® bricks

Bricks 4 Kidz offers programs and activities that let children play and socialize while learning fundamentals of science, technology and engineering in a noncompetitive setting.

Current Programs include: (please check website for details – www.Bricks4Kidz.com )
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS (In the Bricks4Kidz Creativity Center and at elementary schools)
We offer afterschool enrichments classes for grades K-5 in our Creativity Center every Monday from 4:00 – 5:00 pm, as well as at schools across the county (please check actual schedules and price on our website).

PROGRAMS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS (In Bricks4Kidz Creativity Center)
Students will love learning science and technology in a lab-type setting using LEGO® Technic bricks and an integrated science curriculum. Designed for students grades 3-5, our homeschooling curriculum ensures that the fun gets back into learning science and technology. Please sign-up online.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES (In the Creativity Center or at a place of your choice)
Let Bricks4Kidz organize your next birthday party and experience how much fun it will be for your child and guests and how easy for you!
The base party package is available for $190 and includes 90 min of LEGO® fun and activities (2 hrs total) for 10 children ($5.00 each additional child), with party host, invitations and thank-you cards, lots of games and challenges, model building, free-play time. Bricks 4 Kidz® – T-shirt for the birthday child (signed by all kids), Duplo® for smaller children. Please check the website for more details.

KIDS NIGHT OUT (KNO) (In the Creativity Center)
Enjoy yourself for a couple of hours while Bricks4Kidz takes care of your child in a safe place, being entertained in a playful and enriching setting by our trained and screened teachers. Kids will spend their time building proprietary LEGO® models; participate in creative playing and games, or simply enjoy LEGO® free play. Kids will have so much fun, they’ll beg to come back every week! Admission is $25 per child ($5 sibling discount). Ages: 4 – 12

MOMMY/DADDY & ME (In the Creativity Center)
Mommy and Me classes (for ages 1-4) are available on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am and can be booked in units of 4 weeks for $35. The classes are designed to create a time of fun, learning and bonding between children and mothers or other caregivers. It is also an avenue for mother and child to socialize with other mothers and children in an educational yet relaxed environment. Our trained teacher offers educational play with LEGO® Duplo and other materials. Wireless internet access and coffee available.

WALK-IN AND PLAY (In the Creativity Center)
Children ages 5 to 12 walk in and play at our Creativity Center with tons of LEGO® bricks. They can build cars and race them on our racing ramp, or just let their imagination go wild with building and playing. Parents can leave their children with us if they want to, or stay and play with them. Admission is $10 per child.

Bricks 4 Kidz, 42 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head, 29928, tel: 843-686-2829, www.bricks4kidz.com

Free kid-friendly structured activities are regularly held at the park. For a complete listing of September 2011 Free Skidaway Island State Park Kid-Friendly Events, visit our new Skidaway State Park children’s activities page by clicking here.

The park’s Interpretive Center (i.e. Nature Center) is surrounded by easy hiking trails including the 1-mile Avian Loop Trail, 1-mile Sandpiper Trail Loop, and the 3-mile Big Ferry Trail Loop.

The Interpretive Center includes a display of the Giant Ground Sloth replica (pictured here); wildlife exhibits; live reptiles including a terrapin turtle; and birding station.

Interpretive Center hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM at Skidaway Island State Park. Cost: $5 for parking.
52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411, 912-598-2300, http://www.gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, SC has lots of events planned for Fall 2011. Read all about them on the new Riverbanks page on SouthernMamas.com. Click here for details.

Kid-friendly events at the zoo include Animal Enrichment Day when zookeepers give animals special treats designed to encourage and stimulate natural behaviors: Boo at the Zoo, a spook-fest for costumed children 12 and younger that includes a trick-or-treat trail with candy and more; a Pumpkin Smash when the zoo’s mammals, birds, reptiles and fish enjoy their own trick-or-treats, a form of animal enrichment designed to encourage and stimulate natural behaviors; free admisison for active duty and retired military personnel on Veterans Day; Lights Before Christmas, when the Zoo shines with nearly one million twinkling lights and more than 350 handcrafted images. Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire and be sure to wear your hat – it snows nightly during the Lights Before Christmas.

Visit the SouthernMamas.com Riverbanks page here for more information.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES include Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours; Homeschool Mondays; Overnights and Night Howls; and two new 30 minute, 3-D movies:
TURTLE VISION
From the warm waters of the tropics to the icy Antarctic, join Sammy the sea turtle and his friends on an exciting journey through the ocean. Swim through colorful coral reefs and enjoy a dazzling ride on a fun-loving octopus. Dive into icy polar waters to meet a friendly whale and learn the importance of protecting our oceans.
DINOSAURS
If it weren’t for a series of cataclysmic events, a comet impact being first on the list, our planet could still be the domain of dinosaurs. Deeply rooted in science, the film will carry you back in time to witness these amazing beasts come to life. Meet the largest living animals to have ever walked the Earth; the titanesque plant-eating Argenitsaur and its nemesis the Gigantosaur, a bipedal carnivore that could easily challenge the T-rex!

Admission: $3 for one show, $5 for both, in addition to regular Zoo admission.

Visit the SouthernMamas.com Riverbanks page for more information. Details here.

UPDATE: winner is Mary Sibley! Congratulations Mary!

We’re thrilled to tell you about Inspire Creativity Workshops: customized workshops for children and teens. Inspire Creativity Workshops come to you!

Three types of workshops are offered: just for fun; content-based; skill-based. Creativity workshops are perfect for families with children of all ages; after-school programs; child care facilities; homeschool families/groups and more.

September Special: $10 off a customized creativity workshops in your home! (up to 8 children per workshop)

September Contest: Win a FREE Time-Out for Mommy! (up to 8 children per workshop) Like Inspire Creativity on Facebook here & send email to director@inspiresav.com  with your name and email address. Only one entry per household, please. Winner will be announced here and on Inspire Creativity Website  on Sept. 16, 2011. Winner will also be contacted by email to schedule some fun! Please tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you! This would be a perfect, EASY and creative birthday party for your child.

Like Inspire Creativity on Facebook here to stay connected about deals & giveaways.

Inspire Creativity Workshops, www.inspiresav.com; On Facebook here; email director@inspiresav.com, 330-687-7956

Friday and Saturday June 17-18 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Family Admission: $26
Featuring Keynote Speaker: Sue Patrick, Creator of the Workbox System!
The Workbox system is an effective teaching system to reduce your organizational time and increase your child’s self-control, independence and learning. Specialized for: Autism, ADD/ ADHD, and Large Home School Families. This system will complement your existing curriculum!
Sue ‘s system is an easy approach to optimize and organize your homeschool from preschool to high school, and will allow you to teach your child more effectively and at the same time help you to better organize your school day! Sue will also share her tips for problem-solving your curriculum , behavioral, comprehension, and answer general homeschooling questions. MORE INFO HERE: http://www.ceheconference.com/index.html
Also Offering Workshops By:
Cara Ellison
Homeschool to High School, College, Military and BeyondCara Ellison homeschooled three sons from Kindergarten through High School. She’ll share her experiences and insight on College and Military Admission and the homeschooled child, the benefits of homeschoolers receiving Hope and other financial aid for college, and State Laws and how they affect homeschoolers. Cara will also share her philosophy of homeschooling and the methods she used and discuss what really counts in homeschooling.
The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism
Educating a Special Needs ChildThe Matthew Reardon Center will address such topics as modifying curriculum to accommodate learning styles, behavior techniques, setting goals, and much more
Homeschool 101
Getting Started
Discuss Homeschool Approaches from Classical Education to Unschooling
Hear how local parents implement home education
Legal Requirements of Homeschooling
Q&A

College Options
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Find out what AASU higher education options are available for your children.
SCAD: The University for Creative Careers
How to Prepare a Dynamic Artistic Portfolio
Learn helpful tips on preparing a dynamic artistic portfolio! This session presents the fundamentals of successful portfolios and what our review committee looks for in portfolio submissions.
Georgia Southern University
Discover what Georgia Southern University has to offer your children.
Georgia Tech Savannah
Discover the differences between careers in science, technology, and engineering as well as summer camps offered by Ga Tech Savannah.

Savannah artist Torrey S. Kist’s Art on the Park children’s classes are so popular, several classes are already full. So don’t miss out enrolling for these late fall six-week art classes.

Spots available:
Tuesdays: “famous Artists” for ages 5 & 6. Nov 9-Dec 14, 4-5:30 PM

Wednesdays: “foundational & fun fine arts” for ages 10-12. Nov 3-Dec 15, 3:30-4:30 PM

Private students are welcome for select hours of the day.

Contact Torrey S. Kist for enrollment fees by calling 912.354.5988 or emailing tskart@yahoo.com

Studio Address:
1311 Washington Ave. (Daffin Park)

Instructor Torrey S. Kist, MFA
Torrey loves teaching children to tap into their natural creativity! Torrey received a BA in Visual Arts from Gettysburg College, and an MFA in Painting from SCAD. For the past 5 years, she worked for the Telfair Museum’s education department- directing, designing, (and often teaching) all of the youth & adult studio programming.
Torrey recently resigned from this position to pursue her two passions: teaching children and painting!

Art on the Park Studio
Situated directly on Daffin Park, the studio is a great place to spread out, get messy, and take play breaks if needed. Small classes, so register today!

Contact: tskart@yahoo.com or 912.354.5988.

Please forward this info to your friends and families.

Below is a guest post from Lowcountry homeschool expert Donna Cartwright of Beaufort-County-based Mama & Company:

Interested in homeschooling but don’t know where to start?
Click here! Southern Mama Readers get a ONE FREE CONSULTATION email. Email your question to mama@mamaandcompany.com

Are you a thinking of homeschooling? I was in your shoes not too long ago! She did a lot of research and asked a few friends who homeschooled what they do. I learned more about curriculums they use and local support groups. Joining a local homeschool cooperative allowed me to talk to other mamas and see what they like as a curriculum and also how they taught inside their homes. I just loved meeting new people and making new friends. Homeschoolers are a unique commmunity.

If you’re a military family like we are, the only stability really for the children is the parent who stays home with the child. Let’s face it, the other parent (whether Mama or Daddy) deploys for months to years at a time. Homeschooling is taking this ‘stability’ to the next level.

Check out some books at the library about home schooling to help you decide if you want to do this. Only you can make the decision but be realistic with what you can handle and cannot. You certainly don’t want to take the kids out of school and realize this is not for you.

Take advantage of the ONE FREE CONSULTATION email offer to get your homeschool question answered. Email mama@mamaandcompany.com. For more homeschooling info, click here.

The above was a guest post from homeschooling expert Donna Cartwright of Mama & Company.

For more homeschooling resources in Savannah and the Lowcountry, click here.

KOOLSCIENCES4KIDZ presents: Saturday morning sessions of physical science activities at Southwest Middle School, 6030 Ogeechee Road, Savannah.
One session for grades k-5; a second session for grades 6-8. Medical students from Mercer University Medical Mentors program will be involved with teaching and will present free science sessions related to the medical field.
For session dates, sample topics, or to sign up, click here.
Cost.: $48 a month. Includes materials
912-660-3442 email: Mathscmatters@aol.com

Starlight Pottery at 7070 Hodgson Memorial Drive offers tons of kid-friendly, as well as mom-friendly, activities.

First, Starlight Pottery has teamed with Amanda Reed’s Tippy Toes Pottery, famous throughout our area for personalizing pottery – using your child’s footprints, hand prints or finger prints to create a whimsical painting on mugs, plates and more.  The Tippy Toes line is on display at Starlight Pottery and parent’s can bring their children to get handprints and footprints. Amanda will turn them in to the beautiful works of art that she’s known for.

Moms can still book Tippy Toes Parties and receive discounts on pottery. They can even host their event at Starlight Pottery‘s studio.

Starlight Pottery offers Kids Night Out 6-8 PM Sat. Sept. 25. It’s for ages 5 and up. Children will make a Halloween plate. Cost is $25 and that includes pottery painting, pizza, drinks, and games. Yes, this is a drop off event . Parents can use this time for a childfree dinner out. Think date night. 

Starlight Pottery also offers Ladies Night Out 6-8 PM Thurs., Sept. 30. Ladies can get a group of friends together, reserve a table, and bring food and drink to have a fun evening out. It’s a great time to start making gifts. No additional fees, just the price of the pottery that you choose to paint.

Starlight Pottery will do on-site storytimes for preK and Kindergarten classes. Price is $10-$12 per child. Startlight will come to a classroom to read a story and the children paint a piece of pottery related to the story. Or class can come to Starlight Pottery studio for a Storytime Field Trip.

SouthernMamas readers receive a Startlight Pottery discount through Dec. 31 , 2010: Book a birthday party with 8 or more guests and the birthday child paints free (Up to a $15 value).

For more info or to make reservations for a Tippy Toes party, Kids Night Out, or Ladies Night Out , call 912.303.9599.

Starlight Pottery’s paint-your-own-pottery studio is in mid-town Savannah. The studio is in the Eisenhower Shopping Plaza at the intersection of Eisenhower and Hodgson Memorial Drive. Starlight Pottery is a great place to host your next birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, youth group, ladies group, etc. Become a fan on Facebook and receive special announcements and offers.

Looking for a way to introduce your preschooler to Savannah’s downtown historic architecture?

Check out  “Savannah Safari,”  a $6 booklet that takes kids on a quick and easy walking adventure through Historic Savannah. Today, I took my 20-month-old daughter and 3-year-old son on the tour. Although my daughter may be a little young to “get it”, my 3-year-old son really enjoyed the search for architectural animals in gardens and squares (horse hitching posts, lion statues, frog fountain, dolphin downspouts, gargoyles)  

You can order a copy on the Savannah Safari Web site. The illustrated booklet complete with a map is also available at  Girl Scout First Headquarters, 330 Drayton Street, or the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (10 E. Oglethorpe Ave).

For more info on another kid-friendly self-guided downtown Savannah walking tour/scavenger hunt, click here

Toddler Tuesdays are back at Oatland Island Wildlife Center after a summer hiatus!

This season, there will be TWO Toddler Tuesdays timeslots each week, as opposed to one. Same topic and activities for each one. One program will be at 10 AM and the second at 11 AM.

Michele Mazzei, the beloved leader of the popular weekly programs, said the goal of having two sessions is to keep the classes small and intimate.

Preregistration via phone at 912.395.1500 $3 program fee per child and adults free!

The theme of Tues. Sept. 7 is Welcome Back Toddlers! and will feature a visit from Daisy, Oatland’s resident opossum.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center is located just outside Savannah. Click here for info.